The Benson Park Advisory Committee met on Sept. 17 to review the results of a busy summer season, including the Family Fun and Centennial Celebration Day held on Sept. 12. Committee Chair Sue Clement said the event was a major success, noting that the Old Lady in the Shoe exhibit drew significantly more visitors than in previous years. “We definitely doubled what we’ve had in years past,” she said.
Matt Pelletier of the Friends of Benson Park thanked the volunteers and sponsors who helped make the celebration possible. “We ended up having 14 sponsors,” Pelletier said. “It was a great turnout, and we were really happy to see so many people from town and all over trickling in.”
Both groups had been preparing for the celebration throughout 2026, with a focus on marking the 100th anniversary of the 1926 opening of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm. The former theme park operated on the site until 1987 and remains a significant part of Hudson’s history. Several attendees shared personal memories of the original park, including Jim Leach of the Friends of Benson Park, who performed there during the 1980s. “I did four magic shows per day, seven days per week. I was also ringmaster at the elephant show and I worked with the chimpanzees and a few other things,” Leach said. He helped set up a temporary museum for the event and said the long-term goal is to establish a permanent museum and discovery center dedicated to the park’s history and educational programs.
The temporary museum, located in the Elephant Barn, featured memorabilia ranging from old photographs to props and a vintage diorama.
Pelletier said visitors expressed excitement at seeing the park’s history brought to life again. “I had two separate people come up to me and mention feeling that the park was alive again with so many people,” he said, crediting Friends President Natalie Newell for her contributions.
The celebration also drew participation from several local organizations. Hudson Youth Baseball volunteer Jessica Adair said the event offered a valuable opportunity to connect with families. “We have a table here to try and promote the upcoming season for next spring. Registration opens in December,” Adair said. “Family Fun Day is awesome. It’s a great way to interact and communicate more with the community and get to know the other tables. We’re sitting next to the Lions Club.”
Clement thanked the Friends of Benson Park and the many volunteers who helped organize the celebration. “I want to say thank you to Natalie Newell, to Heidi Jakoby, to all the Friends of Benson Board – you guys did a really good job of putting this event on,” she said. “We really do have a gem, and without the Advisory Committee, Friends of Benson, the people at the dog park, and people volunteering, it wouldn’t be this. If you’re interested in volunteering, we will always have a space for you.”
The next meeting of the Benson Park Advisory Committee is set for Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in the HCTV Center meeting room.